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The IPL GC initially shortlisted 574 players to go under the hammer, but now the headcount has gone up to 577.
Saurabh Netravalkar included in IPL 2025 Mega Auction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council (GC) made a few last-minute additions to the players’ list for the mega auctions. The grand event will get underway in Jeddah on Sunday where all 10 franchises will assemble to shape their teams for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich tournament. The IPL GC initially shortlisted 574 players to go under the hammer, but now the headcount has gone up to 577.
As per IPL’s updated players’ list, England pacer Jofra Archer, USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar and Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore have been added to the auction pool. Archer is available at a base price of INR 2 crore, while Tamore and Netravalkar are available at INR 30 lakh each.
Archer has not played Test cricket since 2021, but the England setup is confident that he will be back in action early next year. Though Rob Key had told the Sunday Times that he has his fingers crossed over whether Archer could play Test cricket next summer, the pacer’s decision to play IPL in April-May makes it difficult for him to play domestic red-ball cricket for Sussex, which could have paved the way for his return to the longer form of the game.
Meanwhile, Netravalkar delivered a stellar performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. With six wickets in six matches, he shone brightly, particularly against Pakistan, where he dismissed both Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed. Adding to his heroics, he bowled a sensational Super Over, conceding just 13 runs, guiding the USA to a monumental victory over the Men in Green.
Uncapped Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He is recognised for his dependable batting technique and proficient glovework. His inclusion offers the franchises a valuable option for a backup wicketkeeper, a crucial role in the high-stakes IPL environment.
